Shawn Benjamin lives in Raleigh and describes himself as a “foodie,” eating out an average of three times per week.
“There are a lot of great places in Raleigh,” he said. “I’m always hungry … always trying to find something to eat.”
However, many Raleigh residents are seeing their options dwindle as several Raleigh restaurants have closed in 2024. Since the beginning of the year, at least seven restaurants have closed, while several restaurants remain open elsewhere.
Restaurants that have closed, planned to close, or relocated in and around downtown Raleigh since the beginning of the year include:
Restaurant owners are noticing changes in consumer habits.
“I’ve talked to a few other restaurant owners in Raleigh, and it’s not bad management, but a big change in the way consumers are spending their money these days,” said Clouds Brewing Owner Matt MacNeil.
Steve Allen, an economics professor at North Carolina State University, said some businesses in the hospitality industry have been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This pandemic has been a huge blow to the entire industry, hotels and restaurants,” he said.
“Look at Plates, a great place with great food. They closed because that part of Glenwood has turned into a dance club alley,” he said. “The high-end clientele is avoiding that area now.”
“When we opened in 2013, we did so with the belief that everyone deserves a relaxed, friendly neighborhood restaurant where they can enjoy delicious food and warm hospitality,” the restaurant wrote in an Instagram post. “Over the past decade, we’ve grown with the neighborhood, but we’ve never lost sight of that principle.”
“Many things [were] raised fees a few years ago [but] “That’s not a driver in the restaurant industry right now,” Allen said.
As for why some restaurants remain open in other cities and elsewhere in Wake County, Allen said workers commuting to restaurants or working hybrid schedules could be a factor.
“If workers are only coming in two to three days a week, that’s a big deal for a restaurant,” Allen said. “Location can be a big factor in whether a restaurant has a good future or a more challenging future.”
“I love downtown Raleigh, but I wouldn’t reopen anything there for a few years until things change again,” MacNeill said.
Allen also said that while some restaurants have closed this year, the industry is changing, and more restaurants are opening.
“The industry is always changing, so you’re always going to see new restaurants opening, and we have a lot of new ones,” he said,
Allen mentioned restaurants opening in Smokey Hollow, North Hills and downtown Raleigh at Glenwood South, including Lobera, which will take over Gonza’s former location.
Benjamin said he will continue to support local restaurants in and around Raleigh because food brings people together.
“Support local businesses because the food is great, and this is where we live, so this is where we should eat and hang out,” he said. “The community would be better off if there was better food.”
